Editing Jiang Qing (section)

==== 1973–1976 ====
{{See also|Counterattack the Right-Deviationist Reversal-of-Verdicts Trend}}
On 10 March 1973, Deng Xiaoping was reinstated as Vice Premier, serving as Zhou Enlai's deputy. During the 10th National Congress of the CCP, Deng remained a member of the Central Committee but he did not gain a seat on the Politburo. On 10 April 1974, Deng led the Chinese delegation to the [[United Nations General Assembly]]. Although Jiang Qing strongly opposed Deng's appointment, Mao Zedong cautioned her in a letter to cease opposing his decision.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Ye |first=Yonglie |date=2015-07-22 |title=邓小平成了江青的"眼中钉" |url=https://www.shobserver.com/wx/detail.do?id=5860 |website=Shanghai Observer}}</ref>

After Zhou Enlai was hospitalised, Wang Hongwen managed the Politburo, Deng Xiaoping oversaw the State Council, and Ye Jianying led the Central Military Commission.<ref name=":17" /> On 4 October 1974, Mao Zedong proposed appointing Deng as First Vice Premier. Sensing that Deng might replace Zhou Enlai at the upcoming Fourth National People's Congress, Jiang Qing attempted to block Deng from taking charge of the State Council and the Party's central operations.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |date=2022-01-12 |title=鄧小平1975年大整頓 江青被迫寫書面檢查 |url=https://www.bastillepost.com/hongkong/article/9979609-%E9%84%A7%E5%B0%8F%E5%B9%B31975%E5%B9%B4%E5%A4%A7%E6%95%B4%E9%A0%93-%E6%B1%9F%E9%9D%92%E8%A2%AB%E8%BF%AB%E5%AF%AB%E6%9B%B8%E9%9D%A2%E6%AA%A2%E6%9F%A5 |access-date=2024-11-29 |website=Bastille Post}}</ref>

On 12 December, Mao reaffirmed his support for Deng by proposing his appointment as a member of both the Military Commission and the Politburo—a suggestion that gained majority approval from Politburo members.<ref name=":17" /> On 23 December, despite his ill health, Zhou Enlai flew to Changsha to meet Mao and seek his endorsement of Deng Xiaoping, with Wang Hongwen also in attendance. Mao agreed and, while pointing at Wang, remarked that Deng's ''"politics'' is better than his.''"'' Mao spoke English for the word "politics." Wang was embarrassed as he did not understand.<ref name=":18" />